Climate change is arguably one of the most persistent global issues affecting the entire human race. However, it poses a significant threat on our landscapes and the environment. An issue so precarious and deep-rooted that it requires an empathetic approach and a greater shift in our thinking to comprehend it. But how do you capture the effects of climate change often invisible to the human eye?

My interest in climate change was reinforced on a recent trip to Iceland. I was completely captivated by the magnitude of theIcelandic landscape. This unique island and its rugged terrain are inconsequence of the volcanic activity and are unlike any other on this planet. Ice cap mountains, majestic falls frozen to their core and desolate landscape out stretched with snow, all created a surreal scene that dominated my existence. My entire trip was dictated by the brutal force of the climate. I quickly learned that in order for me to continue on, I needed to be obedient and work in harmony, not against its force. Yet, so deeply moved by the sublime beauty of our planet that this is the first time I considered climate change as a tangible issue. I felt compelled to document not just the scale of what I witnessed but the fragility and degeneration of these endangered landscapes, as a momentary act with the lasting effect of preservation.

Following my return home and developing my films, I found that my images bore marks of the weather only to be effectuated by the uncertainty of shooting on film. The resulting images exposed signs of leaked light and colour cast (tint). Underexposed shots from expired 35mm B&W film elevated already poignant and elegiac landscape. All these accidents caused by the weather and my camera didn’t merely contribute aesthetic quality to the images but by extension validated the authenticity of the plight that our environment currently faces.

This timely moment of realisation also saw me dive into research on climate change and its global impact. The internet is inundated with tangible evidence on the reality of climate change. However, conflicting information on this subject also challenged my beliefs. So, I decided to approach the complexity of this issue with more empathy. By taking the facts and knowledge and translating them into something that has the ability to affect our lives more intimately through a medium more familiar to us. Therefore, I have now dedicated my practice to focus on exploring alternative ways in which I can raise awareness and consider my role in making less impact on fuelling climate change. My aim is to draw attention to the positive influence we can make collectively by creating something that will inspire, empower and spark change.